What to Do If You Make a Mistake During the Test: Stay Calm, Correct Course, and Pass with Confidence

Making mistakes during your driving test feels like the end of the world, but here’s some good news: you can still pass your test even after making a mistake, and there are specific actions you can take to recover and show the examiner you’re still a safe driver. We’ve all heard horror stories about driving tests gone wrong, but the reality is that most errors don’t automatically mean failure.

The key lies in how you handle yourself after that moment when your heart skips a beat and you realise something’s gone wrong. Your response to a mistake often tells the examiner more about your driving abilities than the mistake itself. Whether you’ve stalled at traffic lights, taken a wrong turn, or misjudged a parking manoeuvre, there are proven strategies to help you bounce back.

We’re going to walk you through exactly what to do when things don’t go to plan, from recognising different types of mistakes to recovering with confidence and grace. You’ll learn how to stay calm under pressure, demonstrate your safety awareness, and turn potential disasters into opportunities to show your true driving skills. Most importantly, we’ll help you understand which mistakes are recoverable and how to handle each situation like the capable driver you’re becoming.

Recognising a Mistake in the Moment

Catching mistakes during your driving test requires sharp awareness and quick thinking. Different types of faults carry varying penalties, so knowing what you’re looking for can help you respond appropriately when things don’t go to plan.

Identifying Different Types of Test Faults

The DVSA categorises driving test faults into three distinct levels. Minor faults (also called driving faults) are small errors that don’t pose immediate danger to you, other road users, or property.

These might include stalling the engine once, hesitating slightly at a junction, or forgetting to check your mirrors on one occasion. You can accumulate up to 15 minor faults and still pass your driving test.

Serious faults represent more significant errors that could potentially cause danger. Examples include pulling out when it’s not entirely safe, driving too slowly and holding up traffic, or making an incorrect response to traffic lights.

Dangerous faults are the most severe category. These create actual danger to you, your examiner, other road users, or property. Dangerous manoeuvres, ignoring traffic signals completely, or losing control of the vehicle fall into this bracket.

Both serious and dangerous faults result in immediate test failure. There’s no accumulation system for these categories.

Understanding Serious and Minor Errors

Learning to distinguish between fault categories helps you gauge how your test is progressing. When something goes wrong, take a moment to assess the severity honestly.

Did you cause other drivers to brake suddenly or swerve? That’s likely a serious fault. Did you forget to signal when pulling away from the kerb but nothing dangerous happened? Probably just a minor fault.

Minor faults often involve:

• Slightly imperfect positioning
• Occasional lapses in observation
• Small hesitations or stalling
• Minor steering corrections

Serious faults typically include:

• Poor judgement at junctions
• Inadequate clearance from other vehicles
• Inappropriate speed for conditions
• Ineffective use of mirrors when changing direction

Remember that context matters enormously. The same action might be minor in quiet conditions but serious during busy traffic periods.

Spotting Red Flags Before Test Failure

Certain warning signs suggest you’re heading for trouble during your driving test. We’ve noticed that learner drivers often miss these crucial indicators.

Your examiner’s body language can provide subtle clues. If they’re gripping their door handle, bracing against the dashboard, or speaking more frequently than usual, you might be making them uncomfortable.

Physical warning signs include:

• Examiner reaching for the dual controls
• Increased verbal guidance from the examiner
• Other drivers reacting to your actions (honking, flashing lights)
• Feeling rushed or pressured by traffic conditions

Driving behaviour red flags:

• Making the same type of mistake repeatedly
• Feeling overwhelmed by traffic situations
• Struggling to maintain proper speed
• Missing important road signs or signals

When you notice these patterns, slow down your decision-making process. Take extra time at junctions, increase your following distances, and focus on the fundamentals rather than trying to impress your examiner.

The key is staying calm and making corrections before small issues become test-ending problems. Most learner drivers can recover from early mistakes if they recognise what’s happening quickly enough.

Immediate Actions After Making a Mistake

When you make an error during your driving test, your first response matters enormously. We need to focus on staying composed, maintaining vehicle control, and keeping open communication with our examiner.

Staying Calm and Focused Under Pressure

Taking a deep breath is our first line of defence when we realise we’ve made a mistake. Our natural instinct might be to panic, but this only makes things worse.

Deep breathing techniques work brilliantly in these moments. We should breathe in slowly through our nose for four counts, then exhale through our mouth for six counts. This simple method helps reset our nervous system.

We mustn’t let one error spiral into multiple mistakes. Many learner drivers fail their driving test not because of the original mistake, but because they let it shake their confidence for the rest of the test.

Remember these key points:

• One mistake rarely fails a test
• Examiners expect some nerves
• Recovery shows maturity

Our driving instructor has likely prepared us for this scenario during lessons. We can draw on those practice sessions where we recovered from errors. The skills are already there.

Keeping Control of the Vehicle

Vehicle control must remain our absolute priority after making a mistake. We cannot afford to let our emotions affect our driving skills.

Check these essentials immediately:

• Speed: Are we still travelling at an appropriate pace?
• Position: Is our car properly positioned in the lane?
• Mirrors: Are we aware of surrounding traffic?
• Steering: Are we maintaining smooth, controlled movements?

We should avoid sudden corrections or overcompensating. If we stalled at traffic lights, we restart calmly and move off when safe. If we missed a turn, we continue straight rather than making dangerous last-minute manoeuvres.

Our hands should stay relaxed on the steering wheel. Gripping too tightly often leads to jerky movements that create more problems.

The examiner is watching how we handle the situation. Maintaining proper vehicle control shows we’re still a safe driver despite the error.

Communicating Clearly with Your Examiner

Clear communication with our examiner can actually help our situation. We don’t need to announce every mistake, but sometimes a brief acknowledgement shows awareness.

If we’ve missed a direction or need clarification, we should ask politely. “Could you repeat that instruction, please?” is perfectly acceptable. Examiners prefer this to watching us drive in the wrong direction.

When to communicate:

• Missing or unclear instructions
• Unexpected road conditions
• Need for route clarification

We shouldn’t apologise excessively or provide lengthy explanations. A simple “Sorry, could you confirm which exit you’d like me to take?” works much better than rambling about why we’re confused.

Our driving instructor has probably taught us that examiners are human too. They understand that nerves can affect our hearing and processing of instructions during the driving test.

Stay focused on the road whilst communicating. We can speak clearly without taking our attention away from our driving skills.

How to Recover and Carry On Positively

Making a mistake during your driving test doesn’t spell disaster. The key lies in shifting your mental approach quickly and focusing on safe correction techniques that demonstrate your capability as a learner driver.

Adjusting Your Mindset to Move Forward

Take a deep breath and reset your focus immediately. We know it’s easier said than done, but that brief moment of conscious breathing can prevent panic from taking over. Your examiner isn’t expecting perfection – they’re looking for safe, competent driving.

Remember that one error rarely fails an entire test. Most driving tests allow for minor mistakes, and even some major ones can be overcome if you handle the rest brilliantly. We’ve seen countless learner drivers pass after making early mistakes because they managed to refocus and drive confidently for the remainder.

Try this quick mental technique: acknowledge the mistake happened, then deliberately shift your attention to what’s coming next. Don’t replay the error in your mind whilst still driving. Your driving lessons have prepared you for recovery, so trust that training.

Keep your hands steady on the wheel and maintain normal driving posture. Physical tension often follows mental stress, but staying relaxed helps you think more clearly. If you notice your shoulders creeping up or your grip tightening, consciously relax them.

Correcting Errors Safely on the Road

Safety always trumps embarrassment. If you’ve made a positioning error or missed a turn, don’t attempt dangerous manoeuvres to “fix” things immediately. Your examiner would rather see you continue safely than risk everyone’s wellbeing trying to correct something minor.

For wrong turns or missed exits, simply continue following the road safely. The examiner will redirect you back on track – this redirection isn’t a penalty, it’s standard procedure. They’re trained to adapt routes based on traffic conditions and circumstances anyway.

If you stall the engine, follow your standard restart procedure calmly. Check your handbrake, ensure the car is in neutral, restart the engine, and proceed when safe. We’ve taught you this sequence countless times in driving lessons – now trust that muscle memory.

Rebuilding Confidence as You Drive

Focus on executing the next manoeuvre perfectly rather than dwelling on what’s already happened. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates maturity and good driving judgement. Each junction, roundabout, or parking situation is a fresh opportunity to showcase your skills.

Use positive self-talk quietly. Remind yourself of successful moments from your driving lessons when you handled similar situations well. You’ve practised these skills extensively – one mistake doesn’t erase all that competent training.

Pay extra attention to your mirrors, signals, and observations. Sometimes we become so focused on our mistake that we forget the basics. Deliberate, obvious safety checks show the examiner you’re still thinking clearly and prioritising road safety.

Engage with the driving environment around you more consciously. Notice pedestrians, read road signs aloud in your head, and anticipate what other drivers might do. This active engagement keeps your mind occupied with driving rather than worry.

The final portion of your test often carries extra weight in the examiner’s assessment. Strong finishing can genuinely influence the overall outcome, so channel your energy into demonstrating confident, safe driving for whatever time remains.

Common Mistakes and Their Best Responses

When things go wrong during your test, your response matters more than the mistake itself. We’ll show you how to handle four of the most common slip-ups with confidence and composure.

Dealing with Stalling the Car

Stalling the car happens to nearly everyone during their learning journey. The key is staying calm and following the proper restart procedure.

Take a deep breath first. Your examiner expects this might happen, especially at traffic lights or busy junctions. They’re watching how you handle the situation, not judging you for the stall itself.

Apply the handbrake immediately after stalling. This shows you understand safety procedures and prevents the car from rolling.

Check your mirrors before restarting. Traffic conditions might have changed whilst you were stopped. Look for vehicles approaching from behind or traffic that’s built up around you.

Start the engine using the clutch-brake routine. Press the clutch fully down, ensure the gear stick is in neutral, then turn the key. Once the engine starts, select first gear when you’re ready to move off.

Signal if necessary before pulling away. If you’ve stalled whilst turning or changing lanes, you might need to indicate your intentions again.

Don’t panic about minor stalls. One or two stalls won’t automatically fail your test. However, stalling in dangerous situations (like on a roundabout or when turning right at a busy junction) could result in a serious fault.

Practice your clutch control regularly with your driving instructor. The more comfortable you become with the biting point, the less likely you’ll stall during pressure moments.

Handling Mirror Checks and Blind Spot Misses

Missing mirror checks or blind spot observations can feel devastating, but quick recognition and adjustment show good awareness.

Acknowledge the miss internally. Don’t announce it to your examiner, but make sure you understand what happened. This helps prevent repeated mistakes during the rest of your test.

Increase your observation frequency for the remainder of the test. Make your mirror checks more deliberate and obvious. The examiner needs to see you’re actively checking mirrors before manoeuvres.

Use the MSM routine consistently. Mirrors, signal, manoeuvre should become automatic. If you realise you’ve missed the mirror check, ensure you signal appropriately and check again before moving.

Pay extra attention at junctions and when changing lanes. These areas require multiple observations, including checking mirrors and looking over your shoulder for blind spots.

Don’t overcompensate by checking mirrors constantly. This can be just as dangerous as not checking them enough. Find the right balance between adequate observation and keeping your eyes on the road ahead.

If you miss a blind spot check when changing lanes, complete the manoeuvre safely if you’ve already committed. Then ensure you’re extra thorough with observations for any remaining lane changes or turns.

Reacting to Incorrect Signals and Positioning

Wrong signals or poor positioning can be corrected if you act quickly and safely.

Cancel incorrect signals immediately when you realise the mistake. Leaving the wrong signal on confuses other road users and could lead to dangerous situations.

For positioning errors, assess whether correction is safe. If you’re in the wrong lane approaching a roundabout, it’s often better to take an available exit safely rather than cutting across traffic.

Communicate through positioning when possible. If you’re slightly out of position for turning right, ensure you’re not blocking other traffic and wait for a safe opportunity to complete your turn.

Don’t make sudden corrections that could surprise other drivers. Gradual adjustments are safer and show better judgement than abrupt lane changes or steering inputs.

Use appropriate signals for your actual intentions. If you end up going a different way than originally planned, make sure your signals match your actions.

Remember that positioning becomes more critical at complex junctions and roundabouts. Take your time to get into the correct lane early, and don’t be afraid to go around again if you’re not properly positioned.

Responding to Junction and Roundabout Errors

Junction and roundabout mistakes require calm thinking and safe decision-making under pressure.

Prioritise safety over perfection. If you approach a junction too fast, it’s better to stop safely (even if abruptly) than to rush through dangerously.

At roundabouts, if you miss your exit, continue around safely. Taking the next available exit and finding an alternative route shows better judgement than making risky manoeuvres.

Observe carefully when turning right at busy junctions. If you’ve entered the junction but can’t complete the turn safely, wait in the junction until there’s a clear gap. Don’t reverse back into traffic.

Make decisive observations before emerging from side roads. If you’ve hesitated, take extra time to check again rather than pulling out uncertainly.

Use appropriate speed for junction approaches. Slowing down early gives you more time to assess the situation and make better decisions about when it’s safe to proceed.

Remember that observations at junctions should include checking for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles from multiple directions. If you miss something on your first check, take another look before committing to the manoeuvre.

Mistake Management During Manoeuvres

Manoeuvre mistakes can feel overwhelming, but most can be corrected safely without automatic failure. Quick thinking and smooth recovery techniques often impress examiners more than perfect first attempts.

Correcting Parking Techniques Safely

When your parallel parking attempt goes wonky, don’t panic. We’ve all been there, and your examiner expects some adjustments.

Stop and assess your position calmly. If you’re too far from the kerb or at an odd angle, you can restart the manoeuvre completely. Simply tell your examiner: “I’d like to start this again, please.”

Most examiners appreciate honesty and won’t mark you down for recognising your mistake early.

If you’re halfway through and notice you’re heading for trouble, gentle corrections work best. Small steering adjustments whilst moving slowly can save a manoeuvre that’s going off track.

Key recovery steps:

• Keep your speed crawling (clutch control is crucial)
• Use all your mirrors constantly
• Don’t be afraid to stop and think
• Check your handbrake is off before moving

Remember, reverse parking follows similar principles. If your car isn’t lining up properly between the cones or marked bay, stop early rather than hoping it’ll work out.

The examiner wants to see you’re in control, not that you’re perfect on the first try.

Recovering from Parallel and Reverse Parking Blunders

Parallel parking mishaps happen to experienced drivers too, so don’t let a wobbly start derail your confidence.

Common recovery scenarios:

• Too wide from the kerb: Straighten up, then reverse slowly whilst turning the steering wheel towards the kerb
• Bumping the kerb gently: Stay calm, straighten your wheels, and move forward slightly before continuing
• Wrong angle approaching: Pull forward and reposition your starting point

The secret lies in tiny movements and patience. Rush jobs during recovery often make things worse.

For reverse parking into bays, similar rules apply. If you’re entering at the wrong angle, don’t force it. Pull forward, realign, and try again.

Your examiner won’t fail you for:

• Minor bumps against the kerb (as long as you don’t mount it)
• Taking multiple attempts
• Asking to restart completely

However, you will fail for:

• Hitting another car or object
• Mounting the pavement dangerously
• Losing control completely

Trust your mirrors, take your time, and remember that even driving instructors need practice with tricky parking spaces.

Managing Stop Signs, Red Light, and Pedestrian Crossings

Traffic control mistakes can feel serious, but quick, safe corrections often prevent major faults from occurring.

At stop signs: If you roll through slightly, acknowledge it by coming to a complete stop immediately after. Don’t reverse back to the line, as this creates more danger.

Red light situations: If you cross the advanced stop line but stop before the main junction, stay put. Moving forward or reversing makes things worse. Wait for green and continue normally.

Pedestrian crossings require extra attention. If you approach too quickly and have to brake hard, it’s not automatically a fail. However, not spotting pedestrians waiting to cross often is.

Recovery techniques that work:

• Stay stopped where you are (don’t reverse)
• Check mirrors before any correction
• Signal clearly if repositioning
• Wave apologetically to other road users if needed

What examiners mark seriously:

• Going through red lights completely
• Not stopping when pedestrians are crossing
• Dangerous emergency braking
• Ignoring traffic signals entirely

The key is showing you recognise the mistake and respond safely. Your examiner wants to see good judgement under pressure, not perfection every time.

Quick reactions and safe decision-making often turn potential fails into minor faults that won’t affect your overall result.

Staying Safe and Legal After a Slip-Up

Making a mistake during your driving test doesn’t mean everything falls apart. The key is recovering smoothly whilst maintaining proper safety measures and following road rules correctly.

Maintaining Safe Distances and Hazard Awareness

When you’ve made an error, it’s tempting to rush or panic, but keeping proper stopping distance becomes even more crucial. We recommend staying at least two seconds behind the car in front during normal conditions.

Count “one Mississippi, two Mississippi” as the car ahead passes a landmark. This gives you enough time to react if they brake suddenly.

Your hazard awareness needs to stay sharp after a mistake. Don’t let embarrassment cloud your judgement about what’s happening around you.

Keep scanning for pedestrians stepping into the road, cyclists appearing from blind spots, and other drivers making unexpected moves. These real dangers matter far more than the small error you just made.

If you’ve stalled or taken a wrong turn, other road users might behave unpredictably around you. Watch for impatient drivers trying to overtake or pedestrians assuming you’re not moving.

Stay alert to changing road conditions too. Wet patches, potholes, or temporary road signs can create new hazards whilst you’re recovering from your mistake.

Managing Speed, Clutch Control, and Moving Off

Clutch control becomes absolutely vital when you’re flustered after making an error. Take a deep breath and remember the basics.

Find the biting point slowly and feel the car wanting to move forward. Don’t rush this process, even if you feel pressure from the examiner or other traffic.

Moving off after a stall or emergency stop requires extra care. Check your mirrors, signal if needed, and look over your shoulder before pulling away.

Gentle acceleration prevents another stall. Let the clutch up gradually whilst adding a touch more gas than usual.

If you’ve made a speed-related mistake, don’t overcorrect by driving too slowly. Stick to appropriate speeds for the road conditions.

On a 30mph road, aim for around 25-30mph unless hazards require slower speeds. Going 15mph after making a mistake creates new problems and frustrates other drivers.

Remember that smooth clutch control helps you manage tricky situations. Whether you’re creeping forward at traffic lights or handling a hill start, proper technique keeps you safe.

Navigating Traffic Lights and Road Signals

Traffic lights can feel intimidating after you’ve made a mistake, but they’re actually a chance to reset and refocus. When approaching lights, prepare early by checking your mirrors and adjusting your speed.

At a green light, don’t assume it’s safe to go without looking. Other drivers might be running red lights, or pedestrians could still be crossing.

Take a quick glance left and right before moving off, especially if you’ve been stationary for a while. This simple check prevents serious accidents.

If lights change to amber as you approach, make a quick decision based on your stopping distance. Can you stop safely before the line? If yes, brake gently.

Road signals extend beyond traffic lights too. Watch for temporary signals at roadworks, school crossing patrols, and emergency vehicle warnings.

When you see conflicting signals or aren’t sure what a sign means, choose the safer option. Slow down and prepare to stop rather than guessing what to do.

After making a mistake, your confidence might be shaken, making it harder to process signals quickly. Give yourself extra thinking time by reducing speed slightly and increasing your following distance.

Learning from Mistakes for Next Time

Making mistakes during your driving test isn’t the end of your journey. It’s actually the beginning of becoming a better driver. Working closely with your driving instructor and focusing on specific areas that need improvement will turn those test day errors into valuable stepping stones.

Reflecting with Your Driving Instructor

Your driving instructor is your greatest ally when it comes to understanding what went wrong during your test. We recommend booking a lesson within a few days of your test to discuss the examiner’s feedback whilst it’s still fresh in your mind.

Bring your test report with you to this session. Go through each marked fault with your instructor, asking specific questions about why these errors occurred. Don’t just focus on what happened, but dig deeper into the root causes.

Key questions to ask your instructor:

• What warning signs should I watch for next time?
• Which road situations trigger these mistakes?
• How can I practise these skills between lessons?

Your instructor knows your driving history and can spot patterns you might miss. They’ll help you understand whether your mistakes were due to nerves, lack of preparation, or gaps in your driving skills.

Many learner drivers feel embarrassed discussing their test failures. Remember, we’ve all been there, and your instructor has helped countless students overcome similar challenges.

Turning Test Errors into Learning Moments

Each mistake on your test report tells a story about areas that need attention. We need to transform these setbacks into focused learning opportunities that make you a stronger driver.

Start by categorising your faults into different types. Were they observation errors, like missing a cyclist in your blind spot? Perhaps they were control issues, such as stalling at a junction? Or maybe they were judgement calls, like emerging when it wasn’t safe.

Common test errors and their lessons:

• Mirror checks: Develop a rhythm of regular observations
• Speed management: Learn to read road conditions better
• Junction approach: Practise assessing gaps in traffic
• Reverse parking: Build spatial awareness through repetition

Write down exactly what happened in each situation. This helps you visualise the scenario and understand the examiner’s perspective. The DVSA examiners aren’t trying to catch you out, they’re ensuring you can drive safely on your own.

Create specific goals for each problem area. Instead of saying “I need to improve my observations,” try “I will check my mirrors every 8-10 seconds and always look over my shoulder before changing lanes.”

Improving with Focused Driving Lessons

Generic driving lessons won’t address your specific test failures effectively. We need to design targeted practice sessions that tackle your particular weak spots head-on.

Work with your instructor to create a personalised lesson plan. If you struggled with roundabouts during your test, spend entire lessons practising different types of roundabouts. If parallel parking was your downfall, dedicate sessions to perfecting this manoeuvre.

Effective practice strategies:

• Repetition: Practise problem areas until they become automatic
• Variety: Experience different road conditions and traffic levels
• Pressure training: Simulate test conditions during lessons
• Real-world application: Drive in areas similar to your test centre

Consider taking lessons with different instructors occasionally. This exposes you to various teaching styles and helps you become adaptable to different feedback approaches, just like you’ll face with different DVSA examiners.

Mock tests become incredibly valuable at this stage. They help you gauge your progress and identify any remaining weak areas before your next real test. Many driving schools offer mock tests that closely replicate the actual DVSA test experience.

Track your improvement in a driving diary. Note which skills feel more confident and which still need work. This gives you and your instructor a clear picture of your progress and helps maintain motivation during challenging moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Making a mistake during your practical test can leave you with burning questions and concerns. Here’s what we know about handling those slip-ups and getting back on track quickly.

How can I regain focus after slipping up in a driving exam?

Take a deep breath and acknowledge the mistake without dwelling on it. We’ve seen countless learners bounce back by simply reminding themselves that the test continues.

Focus on the road ahead, not what just happened behind you. Your examiner wants to see how you handle the next junction, not watch you replay that stall in your mind.

Keep your hands steady on the wheel and listen carefully to the next instruction. Many successful candidates tell us they treated each mistake as a fresh start rather than a reason to panic.

What’s the best way to communicate an error to an examiner?

You don’t need to announce every small mistake you make during your test. Most minor errors are better left unspoken unless they affect safety.

If you’re unsure about an instruction after making a mistake, it’s perfectly fine to ask for clarification. We always tell our learners that asking “Could you repeat that, please?” shows responsibility, not weakness.

Only mention a mistake if it directly impacts what happens next, like missing a turn that changes your route. Your examiner is already noting what they need to assess.

Is it possible to make up for a minor blunder while still on the road test?

Absolutely, and we see it happen regularly during tests. One stall or missed signal won’t automatically fail you if you recover properly.

The key lies in how smoothly you correct yourself. If you stall, restart calmly and check your mirrors before moving off. If you miss a gear change, adjust it without fuss and carry on.

Your overall driving ability matters more than individual slip-ups. We’ve watched nervous learners pass their tests despite making several minor mistakes because they demonstrated safe, controlled driving throughout.

Could you tell me how a mistake might affect the overall outcome of my driving test?

Minor faults rarely determine your final result unless you accumulate too many of them. You’re allowed up to 15 minor faults and still pass your test.

Major faults are different and can result in an immediate fail. These involve dangerous actions like pulling out unsafely or ignoring traffic signals completely.

The good news is that most common mistakes, like hesitation at roundabouts or slightly wide turns, typically count as minor faults. Your examiner assesses your overall safety and control, not perfection.

What are the steps I should take immediately after I realise I’ve made an error during my driving test?

First, ensure you’re still driving safely and haven’t created any danger for other road users. Safety always comes before worrying about test results.

Correct the mistake if it’s safe and practical to do so. For example, signal if you forgot to earlier, but only if it still makes sense for other drivers.

Then refocus on your driving and the current situation. We always remind our learners that dwelling on past mistakes often leads to making new ones.

Can you offer any tips for staying calm and collected after a mishap in a practical driving assessment?

Remember that your examiner expects some nerves and minor mistakes. They’re not looking to catch you out, they want to see safe drivers pass their tests.

Use the breathing techniques you might have practised during lessons. A quick, steady breath can help reset your focus without affecting your driving.

Think of your driving instructor’s voice giving you encouragement. We often tell learners to imagine we’re sitting beside them, offering the same supportive guidance they’re used to during lessons.

Keep reminding yourself that many successful drivers made mistakes during their tests. What matters is finishing the test with confidence and control, not achieving perfection throughout.